Maria de Jesus Guerra

Weslaco - Maria de Jesus Guerra, 67, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, July 22, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her loving family after her courageous battle with cancer. She was born and raised in McAllen, Texas then resided in Weslaco, Texas for the last 45 years. Maria graduated from McAllen High School in 1967 then received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Pan American College in 1971. She was a devoted bilingual 1st Grade teacher for the Weslaco school district for 32 years at Roosevelt Elementary then Memorial Elementary. Mary was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a kind, caring individual who always put others first before herself. Everyone who knew her loved her sense of compassion and viewed her as such a gentle soul. Her selflessness began at an early age when she took on the responsibility of caring for her parents and siblings due to her mother's illness without any hesitation or complaints. Her siblings looked up to her and viewed her as their second mother. Mary's happiest moments were at home with her husband and family. Her pleasure in life was spending time with her three granddaughters, Grace (11 yrs.), Sarah (8 yrs.), and Vivian (3 yrs.) Downing who were her pride and joy. Mary is preceded in death by her mother, Martina Fuentes and her brother-in-law, Dr. Gilberto Pulido. She is survived by her husband Norberto Guerra, her three daughters, Delia (Robert) Downing of Elsa, Lorena Guerra, and Deborah Guerra of Weslaco. She is also survived by her father, Alfredo Fuentes of McAllen; her siblings, Alfredo (Diana) Fuentes of Mission; Elizabeth Pulido, Dr. Alejandro (Lilia) Fuentes, Hilda (Eduardo) Ramos, Alberto (Alma) Fuentes all of McAllen; and 17 nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank Dr. Leticia Volpe, Dr. Daniel Farray, and Dr. Alejandro Fuentes for their exceptional care during her illness. They would also like express their gratitude to Knapp Medical Center ICU, Weslaco Rehab Hospital and Texas Oncology nurses and staff for all their help in caring for their mother. Visitation will be held Monday, July 25, 2016 from 1 to 9 pm with Rosary at 7 pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home (Weslaco, TX). Burial will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Pallbearers are her nephews, Aaron Fuentes, Angel Pulido, Daniel Fuentes, Victor Pulido, Adam Ramos and Andres Fuentes and Honorary Pallbearer is her son-in-law Robert Downing. Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.